Mainland travelers are duly advised to shop wisely in Hong Kong.
The shopping advice was issued today (April 10) through the mainland media ahead of the peak travel season during the extended May 1 holidays.
This was made possible with the co-operation and assistance of the China Consumers Association in Beijing, which has distributed the information also to a network of consumer organizations nationwide.
The Consumer Council has been in contact with its counterpart in the mainland in the wake of the recent CCTV report of misleading sales practices of jewellery and watches in Hong Kong.
The advice contains practical useful guidance to mainland tourists in selecting holiday tours and shopping in Hong Kong.
Specifically, amongst others, the advice drew attention of mainland travelers to the importance of shopping around for price comparison as the majority of goods are not subject to price control.
Second, they are advised to take special precaution in the purchase of watches and jewellery which are available in great abundance of brands, models, design, and price range.
Though there are legal safeguards against counterfeit goods and substandard gold ornaments, they should always insist on detailed receipts of their purchase.
Third, mainland tourists are urged to avoid joining group tours that require travelers to shop at designated outlets.
They will do well to shop at outlets bearing logos of "quality" and "authenticity" guarantees, and to remember the following useful hotlines in case of need for assistance:
- 14-day 100% refund guarantee scheme (available to group tour travelers only) : 2807 0707
- Consumer Council: 2929 2222
- Quality Tourism Services scheme: 2508 1234
Meanwhile, the Consumer Council is working closely with the Police and the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) in a concerted effort to handle complaints from mainland tourists, and crack down on sales malpractices.
Under this new arrangement of mutual referral, the Council will refer to the Police complaints involving deceptive practices, and to C&ED complaints suspected to be in breach of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance and of copyright violations. The Council will take up complaint mediation and resolution in respect of consumer redress.
Already, over the Easter holidays, the Police has referred to the Council five consumer complaints related mostly to the purchase of watches. The complainants in most cases were seeking refund to their purchases.
Issued by
Consumer Council
10 April 2007